Cats and Spirituality

Throughout the annals of history, felines have consistently garnered esteem and veneration across various civilizations. This reverence isn't solely rooted in their endearing countenances; it is also attributed to their diverse array of capabilities, frequently intertwined with deities and the supernatural. A prevailing belief, both in antiquity and contemporary times, asserts that cats possess a heightened sensitivity to specific auras, surpassing other creatures in this regard. Even in the present era, cats often exhibit seemingly peculiar reactions to individuals and situations. Numerous cat guardians have encountered those instances when, in tranquil moments with their feline companions, the cat suddenly directs its gaze and fixates upon... absolutely nothing. This fixation persists for extended periods, as they peer into empty spaces with undivided captivation.

What is it about felines?

Those who have shared their living space or time with cats understand the unique impact these creatures can have. Their presence brings about a sense of tranquility and serenity in a home—except, of course, during those moments of feline-induced chaos. Interestingly, legitimate research hints at the idea that cat owners may enjoy a longer lifespan. Perhaps embracing the title of a 'crazy cat lady' isn't as eccentric as it sounds.
Consider this intriguing tidbit: cats purr at a frequency of 26 Hertz, a frequency employed by scientists in vibrational therapies for promoting tissue regeneration. An age-old veterinary adage suggests that if you place a cat and a pile of broken bones in the same space, the bones will mend. While it may not be advisable to use a purring cat as a medical intervention for a fractured arm, cats undoubtedly possess other therapeutic abilities. They have been shown to alleviate stress, reduce blood pressure, and potentially lower the risk of certain ailments.

Cats in Folklore

Cats have left their paw prints on cultural narratives spanning nearly 10,000 years. However, their portrayal hasn't always been favorable—tales of soul-snatching, bringing misfortune, and clandestine dealings with the Devil echo through history. Even in contemporary times, superstitions persist, especially surrounding black and white cats, believed to bring either good or bad luck.
In Celtic mythology, the enigmatic grey cat named Grimalkin takes center stage, wielding magical powers. Grimalkin makes appearances in various literary works, including Shakespeare's Macbeth, where it aids the three witches in peering into Macbeth's destiny. Norwegian fairy tales depict cats as mystical beings, sometimes assuming the guise of goblins, with eyes serving as gateways to alternate realms.
The narrative takes a turn with the advent of Christianity. Early Christians held the notion that a cat perched on a grave signified the devil's claim on the departed soul. Later, cats, especially black ones, became entwined with witchcraft, often viewed as 'familiars.' This period wasn't particularly favorable for single female cat owners, as societal beliefs cast shadows on their feline companions.

The Sacred Status of Cats in Ancient Egypt

The inception of the cat craze can be attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who held these feline companions in high regard. During this era, cats were closely associated with the goddess Mafdet, and later with the goddess Bastet. Mafdet was believed to provide protection against venomous bites, particularly those inflicted by snakes and scorpions. On the other hand, Bastet, in her evolved form, became a cat-headed deity, with cats symbolizing the tangible manifestation of her spirit. The genesis of both Mafdet and Bastet is thought to be intertwined with the legend of Mau, a divine jungle cat (or should we say, "meow"?) renowned for defending a sacred tree against the serpent Apophis. Unsurprisingly, harming a cat was strictly forbidden in Ancient Egyptian culture. Even in death, cats received the same reverence, undergoing mummification and burial rituals akin to those accorded to humans. The passing of a feline companion was treated with the same gravity as a significant personal loss, akin to shaving one's eyebrows. Beyond the spiritual significance, cats held practical value as well. Domesticating cats proved instrumental in pest control, as they adeptly kept vermin such as rats, mice, and even cobras at bay. This practical utility elevated cats to a revered status, making them sought after companions in Ancient Egyptian society.


The Ultimate Zen Masters: Cats as Profound Buddhist Instructors

Cats emerge as extraordinary Buddhist mentors, imparting profound teachings through their simple yet profound way of life. They exhibit an innate wisdom by eating when hungry and resting when tired—a radical approach that eludes many of us humans. With the ability to maintain an unwavering focus for extended periods, they enter a trance-like state, akin to a meditative practice. The rhythmic purring of a cat, reminiscent of chanting, exerts a deeply calming influence, elucidating why they engage in this behavior both in moments of stress and contentment. Living entirely in the present moment, cats possess an acute awareness of their surroundings, even while indulging in a nap. Crucially, they operate without ego, demonstrating a lack of urgency in their pursuits. Witnessing their willingness to suspend disbelief, such as in the face of a laser pointer, becomes a source of admiration. Despite recognizing its source and origin, they wholeheartedly engage in the chase. The presence of cats, and indeed other adorable animals, not only offers joy but also enhances our productivity and positivity. In the serenity of their company, humans may find subtle yet potent lessons in mindfulness and a harmonious existence.

Meditating with Cats: A Unique Path to Calmness


Given the profound connection between cats and tranquility, it's unsurprising that meditating with cats yields distinctive benefits. Engaging in mindfulness meditation in the company of cats has an immediate calming effect, whether they choose to sit beside you, purring gently, or gracefully perch nearby. Cats seem attuned to the energy shift during meditation, often responding by staying close to provide comfort. Should a cat decide to join your meditation by sitting on you, you might discover a fascinating phenomenon—your breathing unconsciously synchronizes with the feline's presence, creating a state of meditative coherence. This could explain why stress symptoms tend to be lower in cat owners compared to those with dogs or no pets at all. For those intrigued by the idea, consider booking a mindfulness meditation class with cats to explore this unique experience.

Eckhart Tolle, a renowned spiritual teacher, famously remarked, "I have lived with several Zen masters – all of them cats." Similarly, the French critic and historian Hippolyte Taine asserted, "I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." If the wisdom of the last several millennia holds true, there may indeed be more depth to our adorable and enigmatic feline companions than meets the eye.


Reference:
Jenna Thompson, https://www.youandmeow.co.uk/post/a-feline-mystery-why-cats-are-so-deeply-associated-with-spirituality